So you finally bit the bullet and decided to get a hair transplant done. While you may be having visions of a thick crop of mane coming up soon, things are not that simple.

Here are the five most important things to know once your hair transplant surgery is done.

Take care of your scar

However skilled your doctor may be, a certain amount of scarring is inevitable once you have undergone a hair transplant. While waiting for new follicles to grow, take care to have certified medications that will reduce the swelling. This will also help in reducing scalp irritation since you will be told not to touch your scalp under any circumstances.

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Keep your head elevated

This is necessary to avoid any extra swelling on your scalp. Since the skin will be bruised from the operation, you will need to sleep on two or more pillows to prop up your head. Ideally, there is nothing better than a reclining chair to sleep in if you can.

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Avoid physical activity

Your doctor will doubtless tell you not to venture in the sun upon surgery. Take care to also avoid strenuous exercises that will make you sweat. Sweating increases the risk of infection to a great extent. You should also avoid visiting steams and saunas for the same reason.

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Don’t eat spicy food and alcohol

As Indians, we are accustomed to spicy dishes, but the body’s reaction to such food will interfere with the healing process. Alcohol consumption is a strict no-no as well as it affects the blood supply to the head. If possible, try to avoid smoking for a month immediately after the surgery as well.

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Immediate care

Keep the area around your scalp clean throughout the recovery phase. You will feel soreness and a numb sensation in the places where the incision has been made. Understand the medications and their frequency correctly and do not attempt to self-treat yourself in any way. Recovery after the operation takes time. And finally, keep yourself busy with other activities apart from obsessing about when new hair will grow.

Use these tips to get the best results out of your hair transplant operation and show off the new you in no time.